Toggle Gripper System

The DRECO™ Gripper System is an innovative design that should be considered in applications using longer capping beams where the cost of providing a slotted beam becomes significant. The DRECO™ Gripper utilizes a series of toggle links called jam plates driven through a push rod from a hydraulic cylinder. This design allows the Gripper to provide an extremely high clamping force which develops sufficient friction forces to prevent the anchor from slipping during operation.

Competitive designs using hydraulic cylinders acting on wedge clamps or acting directly on the capping beams require a large frame to accommodate the supporting mechanism. The DRECO™ Gripper System is a very compact design and will fit in a space similar to that used by a claw style system. This gives the DRECO™ Gripper System a distinct advantage over other gripper styles.

Additionally, the hydraulic control systems for the DRECO™ Gripper System can include logic valves to provide sequenced operations when moving the rig. By sequencing the operations of the gripper cylinder and the skidding cylinder, National Oilwell Varco can ensure that the toggle grip has adequate clamping to withstand the skidding forces and minimize the risk of damaging the capping beams due to the clamps slipping.